West Cheshire College pays tribute to star apprentices

APPRENCTICES from Chester have been recognised for their hard work at West Cheshire College’s Star Apprentice awards.

Sixteen apprentices working in a range of industrial sectors including pharmacy, plumbing, vehicle maintenance and repair, retail, theatre, and accounting were honoured as part of West Cheshire College’s National Apprenticeship Week celebrations.

John Roberts, 26, from Chester won the Star Apprentice in Stone Masonry Award after completing an Apprenticeship in Stone Masonry at Chester-based Neil Andrews Stonemasons Ltd.

John said: “I was unemployed when I heard about the apprenticeship and it sounded ideal for me as it was a way of getting a job whilst learning key skills and gaining a qualification.

“As I was slightly older I didn’t realise that apprenticeships would be available for me but they are offered to people of all ages which is great.

“I really enjoyed doing my apprenticeship with Neil Andrews and I continued working for them when I finished my course so it really helped get me on the career ladder.”

Rebecca Downing, 23, from Chester, won the Star Apprentice in Accounting Award after completing a higher apprenticeship in accounting at Johnstone Howell & Co.

Rebecca said: “I decided to do an apprenticeship as it combined studying the AAT accounting qualification that I wanted with having experience working within accounting.

“When I completed my apprenticeship I was fortunate to gain permanent employment at Johnstone Howell. I am shocked to have won the award but I am very proud of my achievement.”